ARS | Publication request: NATIVE GRASS MATERIALS FOR THE INTERMOUNTAIN REGION

Submitted to: Agricultural Research Service Publication
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 22, 2004
Publication Date: October 29, 2004
Citation: Jones, T.A. 2004. Native grass materials for the intermountain region. Agricultural Research Service Publication.

Technical Abstract: The Forage and Range Research Laboratory has an active program in native plant materials development. In 2001 P-7 bluebunch wheatgrass (selected class germplasm) was released. This multiple-origin material has performed well in field evaluations and is comparable to Anatone, yet is much less expensive because of its excellent seed yields and relatively low demand. Bluebunch wheatgrass materials from Connell, WA; Arco, ID, and the Owyhee Plateau of Oregon and Idaho are currently under development. Two large-seeded bluebunch wheatgrass materials developed from populations adapted to arid sites and mesic sites, respectively, are currently under development. Release of Expedition Snake River wheatgrass (selected class germplasm) is anticipated for 2005 (multiple-origin). Expedition demonstrates improved seedling establishment under drought stress compared to 'Secar'. In 1996, Sand Hollow big squirreltail (selected class germplasm) was released (origin: Emmet, ID), and in 2003 Fish Creek and Toe Jam Creek bottlebrush squirreltails (selected class germplasm) were released (origin: Carey, ID and Tuscarora, NV, respectively). Bottlebrush squirreltail material from Mountain Home, ID is currently under development. In 2004, Star Lake Indian ricegrass (selected class germplasm) was released (origin: McKinley Co., NM). Release of White River Indian ricegrass (selected class germplasm) is anticipated for 2005 (origin: between Rangely and Meeker, CO). Indian ricegrass materials from Kemmerer, WY and southwestern ID are currently under development. Great Basin wildrye material exploiting hybrid vigor between tetraploid; i.e., 'Trailhead', and octoploid; i.e., 'Magnar', gene pools is currently under development. This material was generated by doubling the chromosome number of Trailhead from 28 to 56 and crossing that material to the 56-chromosome Magnar. Beardless wildrye material with reduced seed dormancy and improved seed production is also under development.